Role of Transportation Management Centers in Emergency Operations Guidebook

Krechmer, Daniel; Beer, Pamela; Boyce, Brenda; Samano III, Albert; Boyd, Nicholas · 2012 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Operations

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Summary

This guidebook, produced by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and authored by Cambridge Systematics, Inc., addresses the need to enhance communication, collaboration, and cooperation between Transportation Management Centers (TMCs) and emergency response agencies. The primary motivation is to remove technical and institutional barriers that hinder TMCs from fully supporting emergency operations, ranging from localized traffic incidents to major regional events like hurricane evacuations. By fostering mutual understanding of responsibilities, resources, and operational procedures, the guidebook aims to improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency responses, thereby reducing loss of life and property. The document serves as a comprehensive resource rather than a traditional empirical study, outlining best practices, frameworks, and checklists for TMC integration into emergency management. It details the alignment of TMC functions with the Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Support Functions (ESF 1: Transportation and ESF 3: Public Works) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The guidebook structures its recommendations around three phases: pre-event activities (planning, training, and exercising), response and recovery, and post-event activities. It emphasizes the importance of developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs). Specific methods include establishing emergency preparedness working groups, conducting needs assessments, and utilizing TMC resources such as closed-circuit television, probe vehicle data, and dynamic message signs for detection, verification, and information dissemination. Key findings and recommendations highlight that TMCs are uniquely positioned as the "hub of the transportation management system" due to their permanent infrastructure, including cameras, sensors, and communication networks. The guidebook identifies specific TMC roles in emergency operations, such as detecting and verifying incidents, assessing transportation system damage, managing public safety lifeline routes, and facilitating evacuations by suspending highway work on evacuation routes. It notes that improved cooperation, built through joint planning and training, leads to better operational outcomes. The document provides practical checklists for TMCs to self-evaluate their current level of cooperation with emergency management personnel and their expertise in emergency response activities. It also describes how TMCs can support the Incident Command System (ICS) and collaborate with Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), whether through colocation or virtual coordination. The significance of this guidebook lies in its provision of a standardized framework for integrating transportation management into broader emergency response efforts. By detailing specific operational strategies—such as using ITS technologies to expedite responder access and diverting traffic via traveler information systems—it enables TMCs to actively contribute to incident clearance and public safety. The emphasis on joint training and after-action assessments ensures continuous improvement in interagency relationships. Ultimately, the guidebook supports the field by providing actionable steps for TMCs to enhance their preparedness and operational effectiveness, ensuring that transportation resources are leveraged efficiently during crises to protect life and property.

Key finding

The document serves as a strategic guidebook rather than an empirical study, providing best practices and operational checklists to improve coordination between Transportation Management Centers and emergency response agencies.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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• emergency work zone conspicuity